SCANDAL OF 16 KIDS WHO DIED IN CARE

Campaigners' outrage at 'morally reprehensible' 3-year death toll

- KARIN GOODWIN

AT LEAST 16 children and young people have died of suicide or drug overdoses while in the care system in just three years, with the youngest just 11 years old.

The deaths, in foster placements, care homes or government after-care programmes, have sparked outrage and calls for more support for kids in care.

Eleven children took their lives, or were suspected to have done so, between 2021 and 2024, according to figures obtained by investigative website the Ferret. There were five drug-related deaths during the same period.

Campaigners called the preventable deaths "morally reprehensible" and Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People also demanded action.